Wanderers’ heroes likely to miss out

By AAP – Monday 13 January, 2014

Two of the heroes of the Wanderers A-League derby win over Sydney are not expected to start in Tuesday’s away clash with Melbourne Victory.

Two of Western Sydney’s heroes in last Saturday’s Sydney derby are unlikely to start against Melbourne Victory on Tuesday, when the Wanderers could close to within a point of A-League leaders Brisbane with a win.

Wanderers coach Tony Popovic indicated 16-year-old defender Daniel Alessi, who made an assured debut against Sydney, was unlikely to travel to Melbourne.

He also suggested striker Brendon Santalab, who came off the bench to score the late winner against Sydney, wouldn’t break into the starting side for Tuesday’s game.

Definitely out are midfielders Mateo Poljak (hamstring) and Iacopo La Rocca (shin), who were injured in the warm up and first half respectively on Saturday.

Defender Jerome Polenz will also be unavailable after pulling out on the eve of the Sydney derby with a hamstring issue.

Alessi earned plaudits for his first top-flight appearance, some of them from Popovic, who didn’t want to push the teenager too much.